I just started having this problem not too long ago, where every time i pull the distributer cap off my HEI, the bottom is filled with engine oil. Ill pull the distributer out and clean it all out, run it again, and check it after 150 or so miles, and its full again.

What could be causing this?

I have also had trouble eating brass gears, but found out the ditributer base was not sitting on the intake, and was instead being pressed too tight to the oil pump drive causing extra drag on the gear.

 

Is your PCV system functioning properly?
Imho - either it isn't, or there's excessive blowby.
Check it by removing the oil filler cap with engine running. Exhaust should not come out. If there's pressure in the crankcase, remove the PCV valve from the top cover and see if it sucks air. If it does then the engine may be shot, if it doesn't then the PCV system doesn't work.

 

Agreed. PCV system is the first place I'd look. The HEI does have a seal at the top of the distributor shaft, but it won't hold back crankcase pressure for long, even if it's brand new.

Do you ever blow the dipstick up out of it's tube, too?

Those two are dead give aways for pressure building in the crankcase.

 

I'd pull the shaft out of the distributor and see if it's caked with sludge. There is a spiral on the shaft that's supposed to spin the oil back down, but it can't if it's all caked-up.

 

The distributor is pretty new, a MSD Street Fire, less then 1000 miles on it.

Ya the PCV valve is hooked up, and it does work. There is also a K&N breather on the opposite valve cover that breaths pretty freely. The oil dipstick stays in place.

I never had this problem with the OEM base, Iwonder if the MSD doesn’t have the spiral to direct oil back down....

 

I'd call MSD. Sounds like it might be defective.